Tag: 3BL

NEW YORK and LONDON, May 1, 2024 /3BL/ – In a world where sustainability is increasingly at the forefront of corporate and public policy agendas, the significance of credible, robust sustainability assurance cannot be overstated. As many regions around the globe transition towards mandatory sustainability disclosure requirements, the role of comprehensive and reliable assurance standards becomes paramount. Against this backdrop, the AA1000 Assurance Standard (AA1000AS), pioneered by AccountAbility in 2003, stands out as a beacon for sustainability practitioners seeking to navigate the complexities of modern sustainability challenges.

AA1000AS was crafted to offer a business-centric approach to sustainability performance, anchoring its methodology in the AccountAbility Principles. These principles prioritize engagement with pre-financial topics critical to stakeholders and ratings, becoming instrumental in shaping the future value of companies. The standard’s focus on stakeholder inclusivity and materiality places it at the vanguard of sustainability assurance practices, offering a pathway beyond traditional financial metrics to gauge an organization’s long-term viability and impact.

Licensing sustainability assurance services under AA1000AS v3 requires compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, extending to the Code of Practice included in AA1000AS v3, which mandates adherence to ethics and independence requirements.

AccountAbility’s e-licensing platform further reinforces the standard’s integrity by assuring that quality management systems are robustly applied. AA1000AS v3 distinguishes itself by allowing licensed assurance providers the flexibility to incorporate other generally accepted assurance standards or frameworks for combined assurance, provided they meet all associated requirements and enhance and do not detract from AccountAbility’s foundational principles. AccountAbility licensed assurance providers in jurisdictions that exclusively recognize a different standard for sustainability assurance will thereby need to meet those requirements in addition to AA1000AS v3 if they wish to use combined assurance. This approach supports interoperability of the standard within a broader assurance ecosystem while maintaining its core commitment to sustainability.

Despite the investor appeal and potential advantages of a standalone assurance standard for comparability of reported sustainability data, AccountAbility acknowledges the challenges and pitfalls of achieving such uniformity. Technical specifications, terminology, and requirements of assurance standards applied by accounting professionals may inadvertently erect barriers to entry for sustainability practitioners from non-accounting backgrounds. This concern is compounded by the inherent differences in assuring financial versus non-financial information, with the latter encompassing a diverse range of topics that defy easy quantification or verification.

Recognizing these complexities, rather than seeking to replicate the compliance orientation of assuring data to be comparable with traditional financial audits, AA1000AS v3 offers “next generation” sustainability assurance. AA1000AS v3 has been designed to provide a more effective stakeholder-centric assurance of an organization’s adherence to the AccountAbility Principles. This nuanced approach offers a more holistic view of sustainability performance, emphasizing the value of management systems that support stakeholder inclusivity and materiality.

The shift from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting underscores the critical need for market-accepted assurance standards that adapt to evolving disclosure landscapes. To this end, AccountAbility is developing a Bridging Document, set for release in Q2 2024, which aims to align the assurance levels of AA1000AS v3 with those traditionally recognized in the accounting domain. This initiative reflects a strategic effort to bridge the gap between different assurance methodologies, facilitating greater coherence and comparability across the spectrum of sustainability reporting.

However, the dynamic nature of regulatory frameworks means that jurisdictions may recognize varying standards for sustainability assurance, with some potentially mandating a level of assurance akin to that of financial audits. In this context, the AA1000AS faces the dual challenge of adhering to its foundational principles while ensuring its applicability, broad usage, and relevance in a diverse regulatory environment.

In conclusion, the adoption of AA1000AS v3 is not just a tool for compliance; it’s a strategic choice that symbolizes a commitment to sustainability leadership. It’s more than data verification; it’s a dedication to genuine, stakeholder-focused sustainability. By integrating stakeholder inclusivity, materiality, and ethical conduct into the core of business operations, AA1000AS v3 sets a benchmark for assuring sustainability. Companies that recognize these aspects not only align with global sustainability leaders but also distinguish themselves in a crowded marketplace. AccountAbility continues to champion AA1000AS v3 as an essential standard for organizations aiming to lead in sustainability, encouraging its use as a means to drive meaningful, long-term change.

About AccountAbility 
AccountAbility is a specialist global Consulting and Standards firm that works with businesses, investors, governments, and multilateral organizations to innovate and advance the global Sustainability / ESG agenda by improving the practices, performance, and impact of organizations. The firm focuses on delivering practical, effective, and enduring results that enable our clients to succeed. AccountAbility is a Public Benefit Corporation, operating globally through a highly qualified team from offices in New York, London, Riyadh, and Dubai. The firm is the recipient of multiple business awards from the Financial Times, Forbes, and Capital Finance International, and its website is archived with the United States Library of Congress. Learn more at www.accountability.org. 

Contact: 
Mr. Gavin Doran 
AccountAbility 
Head of Marketing & Communications 
Phone: +1 850 502 3098 
Email: gavin.doran@accountability.org 
Web: www.accountability.org

May 1, 2024 /3BL/ – In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, Bath & Body Works is spotlighting senior perfumer Linda Song and Bath & Body Works designers Michiyo Nelson and Kenneth Chiem and offering an exclusive candle collection they brought to life.

This special collection is available at Bath & Body Works stores and online and features these unique new fragrances:

“Ginger & Hinoki”— notes of ginger, Hinoki wood and orange zest“Bamboo & Eucalyptus”— notes of bamboo, watery eucalyptus and garden lime“Cherry Blossom Soju”— notes of bright cherry blossom, jasmine and a splash of soju“Roasted Sesame”—notes of sesame, toasted hazelnut and sweet maple

“The idea behind this collection was to highlight unique ingredients originating in Asia,” says senior perfumer Linda Song. “Bamboo because of its importance across numerous countries in Asia, ginger from India and, on a personal level, sesame and soju from Korea.”

“I truly admire Linda’s skill in crafting these fragrances,” says Kenneth Chiem. “They not only tell a captivating story but also serve as a bridge between cultures.”

Song, Nelson and Chiem began their creative process by exchanging photos from their childhood growing up in different parts of Asia. They also gathered for meals, reflecting on how food and flavor can create a shared bond.

“We all had a diverse background, but we could really connect through meals that we loved and grew up with,” says Michiyo Nelson.

Bath & Body Works believes that it’s important to spotlight underrepresented professionals in fragrance to raise awareness for their contributions and stories while signaling what’s possible for the next generation.

In support of that effort, the Bath & Body Works Foundation donated $200,000 to support the American Chemical Society (ACS) Scholars Program and the ACS Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Respect’s mission. Their three-year partnership began in 2023 to help open doors for the next generation of leaders in chemistry-related fields, like perfumers and more.

For more information on Bath & Body Works’ commitment to community and culture, visit bbwinc.com.

PHILADELPHIA, April 22, 2024 /3BL/ – Today, News is Out and Word In Black, together announced the 16 fellows selected for The Digital Equity Local Voices Lab, a new initiative powered by Comcast NBCUniversal to place journalists at 16 Black and LGBTQ+ serving news publications across the country.

During the year-long fellowship, the group will receive the training and resources needed to tell stories within marginalized communities through media and technology and celebrate the work being done by Black and LGBTQ+ leaders in their communities.

“Through Project UP, we are proud to donate $1 million to launch this unique, first-of-its-kind program that will support coverage of Black and LGBTQ+ topics in the media as well as emerging journalists with a passion for reporting on issues of importance to these communities,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, EVP and Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast Corporation and President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation.

“Comcast is one of the earliest corporate leaders in LGBTQ+ inclusion, so it should come as no surprise that they understand the value of local LGBTQ+ media,” said Mark Segal, founder of the Philadelphia Gay News and member of News is Out. “Their investment in our growth is also an investment in the future leadership of LGBT media and intersectional LGBTQ+ media.”

The fellows will receive best practices, learnings and mentorship from journalists and media professionals at News is Out, Word In Black, and NBCUniversal. In addition, they will report on stories of Black and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and creatives in their communities, share training and resources on using technology more in their daily lives, report on policy related to technological access and connectivity, and share the work being done to advance digital equity.

“I am excited to be a part of a fellowship that is specifically geared toward the promotion of diversity, inclusivity and intersectionality,” said Davi B. Ulloa-Estrada, News is Out and Philadelphia Gay News fellow. “We are missing such crucial and different perspectives on world issues, so I look forward to being a part of this project.”

“This fellowship program is the epitome of what journalism means to me – using innovation and creativity to fuel a passion for multimedia storytelling and uplift the voice and perspective of the overlooked,” said Word In Black and Washington Informer fellow, Jada Ingleton. “It means so much to know that I’ll be in a position to produce stories that could enact change and affect lives the same way generations of journalists impacted mine.”

The Local Media Foundation (LMF) is managing the fellowship and Lab and facilitating content creation to reach diverse audiences between the 16 publishers, Comcast NBCUniversal and NBCU Academy. Word In Black and News is Out are collaboratives that were launched by LMF.

The 16 fellows are:

Megan Sayles, AFRO News (Baltimore)Menra Mapfumo, The Atlanta Voice (Atlanta)J.L. Odom, Bay Area Reporter (San Francisco)Melissa Whitler, Dallas Voice (Dallas)Marlissa Collier, Dallas Weekly (Dallas)ReShonda Tate, Houston Defender (Houston)Ebony “JJ” Curry, Michigan Chronicle (Detroit)Leah Mallory, New York Amsterdam News (New York City)Davi B. Ulloa-Estrada, Philadelphia Gay News (Philadelphia)Christine Shelby, The Sacramento Observer (Sacramento)Kira Doyle, Seattle Medium (Seattle)Devored Horton, The St. Louis American (St. Louis)Victoria F. Vega, Tagg Magazine (National)Henry Carnell, Washington Blade (Washington, D.C.)Jada Ingleton, The Washington Informer (Washington, D.C.)Lu Calzada, Windy City Times (Chicago)

In February, the three organizations announced the launch of The Digital Equity Local Voices Lab and application period. The Lab is part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion initiative to connect people to the Internet and advance digital equity and economic mobility through programs and community partnerships that open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky.

By FASTCO WORKS

Originally published by Fast Company

A common conundrum is waste, with 30% of all food—totaling 1.3 billion tons per year, or more than 600 calories per person daily—being thrown out due to spoilage. “If we could eliminate half of that, it would be a huge step,” said Gonçalves. Doing so, he added, not only demands increasing the shelf life and stability of common staples, but “ensuring access to the technology that will preserve it.”

Continue reading here

Southern Company

PROPEL, a first-of-its-kind innovation hub for 2-year and 4-year Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), announces the launch of a pioneering cybersecurity consortium. The PROPEL HBCU Cybersecurity Consortium (HCC), created in partnership with Southern Company, was founded on the principles of collaboration, leadership, innovation and foresight.

This Consortium not only unites academia, industry and government but more importantly serves as a nucleus for HBCUs to complement their curriculums to be more industry skill aligned and agile to the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

“PROPEL’s consortium will set a benchmark for developing a future workforce that is well equipped to address and solve the cybersecurity needs of today and tomorrow,” said chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company Chris Womack. “Leveraging the insights, tools, resources and access to real-world opportunities that industry and government entities can bring to the table now will help further develop and enrich the transformative skills our future workforce must have. These skills are essential in how we continue to protect our critical infrastructure and be better prepared to face the cyber challenges ahead.”

The HCC is comprised of four pivotal elements: resource hub, professional development, accelerated learning and workforce pipeline. It is designed to facilitate connection between industry, students and faculty with the latest trends, emerging technologies, training and a collaborative space that fosters the development of new courses and opportunities. Additionally, the HCC will provide real-life, challenged-based industry projects, conduct cutting edge research, collaborate with industry leaders and experts and open pathways to employment and beyond.

“The dynamic and ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape has generated a myriad of leading career opportunities that have become critical across virtually every business sector – with a mere nine percent of those individuals being Black professionals,” said PROPEL President Dr. Lisa Herring. “In partnership and collaboration with our co-founder, Southern Company, we’re cracking the code in a sector that is grossly underrepresented by diverse talent and an industry in need of a greatly expanded workforce.”

PROPEL is proud to launch HCC’s first two programs both aimed at elevating HBCU faculty and student expertise and skills in cybersecurity.

Faculty Fellows — A curated, year-long engagement and professional development track designed exclusively to upskill cybersecurity educators. This program also offers fellows the financial support to gain critical industry certifications.Student Accelerator — A year-long immersive experience designed for 3rd and 4th year students to advance their skills, knowledge and career preparedness. Students gain access to industry leaders, tools, training, and the latest resources, enabling them to emerge as highly competent professionals ready to tackle the challenges of the cybersecurity industry.

The applications for both programs will be accepted through May 8, 2024.

Currently, 32 HBCUs with cybersecurity curriculum and degree offerings comprise the first consortium institutions. Those institutions include Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Albany State University, Benedict College, Bowie State University, Claflin University, Clark Atlanta University, Coppin State University, Delaware State University, Drake State Community Technical College, Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, Hampton University, Howard University, Meharry Medical College, Miles College, Mississippi Valley State University, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T University, Prairie View A&M University, Southern University Law Center, Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge, Southern University and A&M College at New Orleans, Southern University of New Orleans, Stillman College, Tuskegee University, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, University of District Columbia, University of Virgin Islands, West Virginia State University, Winston Salem State University.

The HCC aims to attract more corporate partners and industry experts to forge a robust pipeline of qualified professionals, effectively tackling the cybersecurity talent shortage. For more information about HCC, how to join as an industry partner or to apply for programs.

CDP has announced major transformations to their reporting system that will impact reporters in the 2024 reporting season. What were formally separate questionnaires for climate, water, and forests are now going to be added into one integrated reporting framework with plastics added on as a new topic.

Additionally, disclosing organizations will need to navigate a brand-new online platform, track to a changed deadline, and understand and navigate a revamped scoring and reporting guidance system. In all, there is a lot that is NEW to CDP this year!

Join SCS Consulting’s Managing Director of ESG Consulting, Bonnie Holman and Senior Analyst, Meagan Maxon on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. PT/1:00 p.m. ET (UTC -8) for a 60-minute deep dive into the new CDP system changes and how to prepare for and navigate the 2024 season.

Specifically, we will discuss:

• CDP’s major changes: new technology, new framework and new deadlines 
• Understanding how to report through one survey with climate, forests, water, and plastics questionnaires consolidated under one survey 
• Understanding key developments with the new scoring and reporting guidance 
• How CDP Climate has aligned to the IRFS S2 standard 
• CDP’s new SME Module and what types of companies it applies to 
• Sector Classification system – categorizes companies by the most relevant sectors 
• Water watch tool – first of its kind that ranks over 200 industrial activities over 13 sectors on their potential impact on water resources 
• What your company should be doing right now to have a low-stress CDP reporting season

Register Here for the Webinar

SCS Consulting will be hosting an additional webinar in June:

June 18: Climate Financial Risk: The Steps to Take Before Regulated Reporting Begins

Media Contact: 
Tom Ehart 
Sr. Director, Corporate Marketing 
tehart@scsglobalservcies.com

Cintas supports and embraces its Asian Pacific Islander (API) employee-partners and communities in part through LEAD, a Partner Business Resources Group (PBRG) that is firmly rooted in creating a supportive environment for Asian Pacific Islander partners.

LEAD, which is an acronym for Leading & Empowering API Development, helps its members to thrive, fosters collaboration with universities and professional organizations to recruit more API employee-partners and provides resources and education on API holidays and traditions.

The group will reach its two-year anniversary as a PBRG this fall and has seen substantial growth during this time.

“The Asian Pacific Islander demographic is statistically the largest in the world and one of the fastest growing here at Cintas,” said Jimmy Lien, Regional Business Director at Cintas and the President of LEAD. “LEAD originally started as two unofficial groups at two different regions within Cintas, but we believed it was important to bring the two together and unite as one official PBRG.”

The goal of LEAD is to focus on three things: build a sense of community, create a way for employee-partners to advance their career development and advance connections with partners at Cintas and organizations in the communities.

To accomplish this, the PBRG consists of three segments: Connections, Career Development and Community.

The first segment, Connections, consists of a Membership & Communications Committee that focuses on recruiting, onboarding new members and providing communication updates. The committee uses a variety of communication channels including “LEAD Feed” on LinkedIn, a “LEAD Story” quarterly newsletter and a “LEAD Line” which provides text updates.

Employee-partners who join the PBRG also receive a welcome packet from the leadership council formally introducing them along with some Asian candy and snacks.

The second segment of the PBRG, Career and Development, has a committee that is focused on helping advance employee-partners’ careers through mentorships, workshops, training and guest speakers.

The mentorship program helps connect rising API employee-partners with veteran API leaders here at Cintas. LEAD puts on quarterly workshops where they send learning documents or sessions for virtual professional training to partners. The committee recently did one for LinkedIn, showing partners ways to recruit, post and share updates on their personal pages.

The final segment of LEAD is Community Outreach, which includes a committee that focuses on partnering with local non-profit organizations, fostering relationships with universities and professional organizations to help recruit future API members and educating employee-partners on API holidays, traditions and stories.

LEAD has partnered with organizations like Ascend, a Pan-Asian business organization that helps empower and develop API leaders. They are also developing a recipe book where employee-partners can share meals and the stories or history accompanying them, helping build a sense of community. They also send calendar reminders for holidays like Lunar New Year, Ramadaan, Diwali and more to help bring awareness to the vast number of API holidays.

The organization is intentional and thoughtful, as seen through its logo design. The logo comprises five petals that together form a lotus, one of the most enduring and prolific symbols in Eastern culture. The colors were chosen based on the predominant colors found in Asian and Pacific flags, and each of the five colors represents a trait of the API culture, including prosperity, pride, luck, wisdom and strength.

The PBRG’s mission is focused on empowering, inspiring, and developing Asian Pacific Islander Cintas employee-partners to drive total business performance and establish a supportive and inclusive environment for Asian Pacific Islanders to thrive.

The LEAD vision is to be the top-of-mind, inclusive community for professional development, networking, and driving business performance while attracting new talent and helping Cintas continue to be ranked as a great place to work.

While the group has seen much success and progress in its first year, LEAD and its leadership council are actively seeking opportunities to enhance their presence and reach within the organization. This effort aims to bolster support for Cintas’ diverse employee-partners, PBRGs and overall business objectives.

“LEAD has created opportunities for our employee-partners to become mentors, connect with other rising Asian Pacific Islander leaders from all divisions and reshape the way we recruit, retain and develop our API partners,” said Lien. “I am so proud that Cintas recognizes, appreciates and celebrates the unique backgrounds of all of our partners, thus allowing us to bring our whole selves to work.”

By Candace Higginbotham | April 24, 2024

VILLA RICA, Ga., April 24, 2024 /3BL/ – Regions Bank on Wednesday announced Kascia Polk, manager of Regions’ Villa Rica, Georgia, branch, has been awarded the 2024 Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award, Regions’ highest honor for community involvement.

Regions Chairman, President and CEO John Turner presented the award to Polk at the annual Chairman’s Club celebration, which honors the bank’s top performers.

“I appreciate all you do to make a positive difference and for shining a light on our core values,” Turner said as he announced Polk as this year’s winner. “Your story is an example for all of us. Our mission is to make life better for the people and places we serve, and you put that mission into action in how you serve others every day. That is the spirit of community involvement championed by Lee Ann Petty throughout her time with Regions, and that spirit continues to drive how we put others first.”

The Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award, launched last year, recognizes a Regions associate whose extraordinary volunteerism and outreach make a lasting impact in ways that are consistent with the bank’s core values, including Do What is Right and Put People First.

Longtime Regions associate Lee Ann Petty served as volunteer services coordinator in Regions’ Community Affairs division. She passed away on Dec. 30, 2020, following a courageous battle against cancer. Her commitment to serving others continues to inspire thousands of Regions associates.

Regions is proud to honor Kascia Polk with the award that pays tribute to Petty’s legacy. From teaching financial wellness classes and serving in leadership positions in civic organizations to founding and operating a nonprofit to enrich the lives of underserved schoolchildren – Polk has dedicated her life to serving others. Her recognition coincides with National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize those who lend their time, talent and voice to make a difference in their communities.

“I’m honored and humbled to be recognized with the Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award,” Polk said. “I personally believe helping others is the key to happiness and fulfillment in life, and we must all work together to lift up those in our communities in need.”

Polk has been with Regions for seven years, but as this heartfelt video illustrates, her service to the community began years before that. She was always studious, and education was very important throughout her life. She was active with her children’s school and was a member of the PTA. Naturally curious with an adventurous spirit, she and her children frequently took weekend exploration trips together.

In 2012, during a particularly challenging time in her life, she recognized the need to give back. She decided to make those Saturday educational excursions available to more children – especially those whose families may not have the resources to make those kinds of trips. Beyond the Front Porch began serving Douglas County students in August 2012.

Beyond the Front Porch is thriving today, serving hundreds of K-12 students on free or reduced lunch each year. Many have gone on to attend college; one is currently attending MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The organization has taken students to destinations in Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee, including the Tennessee Aquarium, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

“Kascia is a trusted colleague and friend who works tirelessly to build a better community,” said Mia Hubbard, consumer banking executive for Regions in Georgia and the Carolinas. Hubbard noted how Polk shares the same energy and enthusiasm with her customers and colleagues.

“Kascia is very passionate about financial wellness, and she is the catalyst for helping more members of the community by sharing advice and guidance through our financial education seminars and webinars,” Hubbard continued. “As a result, we’ve seen customers wait to be assisted by Kascia because they know she genuinely cares about their financial wellbeing. She’s a great example for someone who may not have had this modeled in their home. Kascia reflects the values of servant leadership and gives others hope and reason to believe that they can meet their life goals.”

Polk also serves as a trustee for the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce. According to Sara Ray, CEO and president of the chamber, Polk is an essential part of the community.

“Kascia is not the type of person who is going to support initiatives or projects for self-serving purposes,” Ray said. “She genuinely is leaning in to help fill the needs of our community.”

“Kascia has a true servant leader’s heart,” added Gina Sian, head of the Making Life Better Institute® programs. “The selection committee for this year’s award was deeply moved and inspired by her leadership and persistent determination. We celebrate her work in building and growing Beyond the Front Porch, and now in teaching other communities to follow suit. She showed us the impact that one person can have with an idea that fills a need, a drive to see past barriers, and a heart that moves others to action.”

In recognition of Polk’s service, Regions is making a $2,500 donation to Beyond the Front Porch. She will receive a commemorative plaque and five bonus vacation days – to take time for herself after dedicating so much time to others.

About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $155 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

By Candace Higginbotham | April 24, 2024

VILLA RICA, Ga., April 24, 2024 /3BL/ – Regions Bank on Wednesday announced Kascia Polk, manager of Regions’ Villa Rica, Georgia, branch, has been awarded the 2024 Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award, Regions’ highest honor for community involvement.

Regions Chairman, President and CEO John Turner presented the award to Polk at the annual Chairman’s Club celebration, which honors the bank’s top performers.

“I appreciate all you do to make a positive difference and for shining a light on our core values,” Turner said as he announced Polk as this year’s winner. “Your story is an example for all of us. Our mission is to make life better for the people and places we serve, and you put that mission into action in how you serve others every day. That is the spirit of community involvement championed by Lee Ann Petty throughout her time with Regions, and that spirit continues to drive how we put others first.”

The Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award, launched last year, recognizes a Regions associate whose extraordinary volunteerism and outreach make a lasting impact in ways that are consistent with the bank’s core values, including Do What is Right and Put People First.

Longtime Regions associate Lee Ann Petty served as volunteer services coordinator in Regions’ Community Affairs division. She passed away on Dec. 30, 2020, following a courageous battle against cancer. Her commitment to serving others continues to inspire thousands of Regions associates.

Regions is proud to honor Kascia Polk with the award that pays tribute to Petty’s legacy. From teaching financial wellness classes and serving in leadership positions in civic organizations to founding and operating a nonprofit to enrich the lives of underserved schoolchildren – Polk has dedicated her life to serving others. Her recognition coincides with National Volunteer Week, a time to recognize those who lend their time, talent and voice to make a difference in their communities.

“I’m honored and humbled to be recognized with the Lee Ann Petty Heart of Service Award,” Polk said. “I personally believe helping others is the key to happiness and fulfillment in life, and we must all work together to lift up those in our communities in need.”

Polk has been with Regions for seven years, but as this heartfelt video illustrates, her service to the community began years before that. She was always studious, and education was very important throughout her life. She was active with her children’s school and was a member of the PTA. Naturally curious with an adventurous spirit, she and her children frequently took weekend exploration trips together.

In 2012, during a particularly challenging time in her life, she recognized the need to give back. She decided to make those Saturday educational excursions available to more children – especially those whose families may not have the resources to make those kinds of trips. Beyond the Front Porch began serving Douglas County students in August 2012.

Beyond the Front Porch is thriving today, serving hundreds of K-12 students on free or reduced lunch each year. Many have gone on to attend college; one is currently attending MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The organization has taken students to destinations in Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee, including the Tennessee Aquarium, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

“Kascia is a trusted colleague and friend who works tirelessly to build a better community,” said Mia Hubbard, consumer banking executive for Regions in Georgia and the Carolinas. Hubbard noted how Polk shares the same energy and enthusiasm with her customers and colleagues.

“Kascia is very passionate about financial wellness, and she is the catalyst for helping more members of the community by sharing advice and guidance through our financial education seminars and webinars,” Hubbard continued. “As a result, we’ve seen customers wait to be assisted by Kascia because they know she genuinely cares about their financial wellbeing. She’s a great example for someone who may not have had this modeled in their home. Kascia reflects the values of servant leadership and gives others hope and reason to believe that they can meet their life goals.”

Polk also serves as a trustee for the Douglas County Chamber of Commerce. According to Sara Ray, CEO and president of the chamber, Polk is an essential part of the community.

“Kascia is not the type of person who is going to support initiatives or projects for self-serving purposes,” Ray said. “She genuinely is leaning in to help fill the needs of our community.”

“Kascia has a true servant leader’s heart,” added Gina Sian, head of the Making Life Better Institute® programs. “The selection committee for this year’s award was deeply moved and inspired by her leadership and persistent determination. We celebrate her work in building and growing Beyond the Front Porch, and now in teaching other communities to follow suit. She showed us the impact that one person can have with an idea that fills a need, a drive to see past barriers, and a heart that moves others to action.”

In recognition of Polk’s service, Regions is making a $2,500 donation to Beyond the Front Porch. She will receive a commemorative plaque and five bonus vacation days – to take time for herself after dedicating so much time to others.

About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $155 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,250 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

Saranya Tangvitoontham has had a 16-year career of firsts at Kohler Co. She was the first female General Supervisor at Wisconsin Vitreous Operations, first female Plant Manager at Wisconsin Cast Iron Operations and first female Associate Director of Quality and Continuous Improvement in Global Vitreous. She’s been promoted nine times in different operations roles across three continents and is currently serving as Director of the Kohler Operating System and Transformation Management Office.

The Manufacturing Institute has named Saranya a 2024 Women MAKE Awards Honoree. She is being recognized as part of prestigious peer-selected group of 100 women leaders and 30 rising female stars based on their contributions to their companies, communities and developing the next generation of talent. Winners were announced this month by the Manufacturing Institute, and Saranya will officially accept the honor at the 2024 Women MAKE Awards Gala in Washington D.C., on Thursday, April 18. See all honorees here.

“I am incredibly humbled by this honor, and I am proud to represent Kohler Company in accepting this award among the other honorees,” said Saranya, “This is a great step forward for women excelling in Manufacturing; and if this award inspires more women to enter and succeed in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Production careers at Kohler, that will be a true fulfillment.”

In 2023 alone, Saranya and the Global CI team implemented a lean program, training more than 1,500 associates from leadership to machine operators. Her team set critical standards for Kohler’s plants around the globe to achieve their priorities through a factory master plan. Saranya also led a refocus and rebranding of the Kohler Operation System, educating each plant on its importance and implementation. Through Saranya’s transformation role, her contributions to the Kitchen and Bath operations have helped streamline the entire organization with a focus on company performance and associates’ growth.

Saranya recognizes the importance of mentorship and STEM education and she’s committed to sharing these career opportunities with young people from all backgrounds. She participated in a STEM Outreach Program at Kohler for middle school students. Additionally, she has been mentoring young talent for over 10 years. She is also the founder and past President of the Asian Resources of Kohler business resource group.

When it comes to her path to success, Saranya finds inspiration in the quote by Tim Notke — “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

“I have never claimed to be the smartest in the room, but I have always been one of the hardest working. When challenges come your way, stay persistent, stay focused and never give up,” said Saranya. “Temporary failure is the best learning opportunity, and it could be a steppingstone to success. Feel the fear and do it anyway!”

Outside of work, Saranya continues her focus on excellence as a youth coach, mentor to the program coordinator and member of the board of review for the American Heritage Girls organization award recipients. A favorite activity with the girls has allowed Saranya to share her passion for ballroom dancing as she helped a room full of 5- to 18-year-olds earn their Dance Badge. A ballroom dancing competitor since college, Saranya continues to compete at the professional/amateur level and has placed first statewide and third nationally in International Ballroom at the United States Dance Championship. Saranya and her husband are active in their church and supporters of its mission work in Gabon, as well as several local charities.